XL Center, Rentschler Wrestle With Filling No-Shows' Seats

EDITORIAL

February 05, 2013

Some UConn fans have complain that they've gone to football or basketball games and sat high in one of the corners of the arena, only to see empty seats at midcourt or midfield.

This is a problem. The seats belong to season ticket holders who for some reason have chosen not to occupy them. Not only does this irritate fans there who would like to be closer to the action, it looks bad on TV and means fewer customers for beer and hot dogs.

And it's not a small number. Michael W. Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority which oversees the XL Center and Rentschler Field, says 20 to 25 percent of season ticket holders often don't show up for games at both venues.

He's trying to do something about it, to his credit. The authority is about to select a new manager for both venues from three finalists. One of the questions put to the managerial candidates is how to handle the problem of no-shows.

It's hardly the most important criterion — that is keeping a hockey team in Hartford — but we're glad it's in the mix. Modern technology allows the arena to know which season ticket holders aren't in the building. It's possible to email or text them say, 20 minutes before game time and ask if they are coming. If not, there should be a way to resell their tickets at a discount, donate them to students, give them to downtown restaurants, something.

UConn began a program this year, though it has not been well publicized, that allows season-ticket holders to sell their tickets at face value to buyers who put their names on a list at the beginning of the season. Of course, some ticket-holders can get more money from the secondary ticket market, and may chose that route.

It's a shame to waste perfectly good seats. However accomplished, let's get some fans in them.